Folding camera with developing means

ABSTRACT

A compact folding camera of the self-developing type including an open ended chamber for receiving a film assemblage. A lens housing section and a processing housing section are mounted in closing relation to the open end of the chamber when the camera is folded. Both are movable, in opposite directions, to expose the open end of the chamber to allow a film assemblage to be inserted into or withdrawn from the chamber through the open end.

United States Patent Bellows [54] FOLDING CAMERA WITH DEVELOPING MEANS[72] Inventor: Alfred B. Bellows, Cambridge, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass.

[22] Filed: Dec. 30, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 102,775

[ 1 Feb. 22, 1972 2,435,717 2/1948 Land ..95/13 Primary Examiner.lohn M.Horan Assistant Examiner-Kenneth C. Hutchison Attarney-Brown andMikulka, Lawrence G. Norris and Alfred E, Corrigan [57] ABSTRACT Acompact folding camera of the self-developing type including an openended chamber for receiving a film assemblage. A lens housing sectionand a processing housing section are mounted in closing relation to theopen end of the chamber when the camera is folded. Both are movable, inopposite directions, to expose the open end of the chamber to allow afilm assemblage to be inserted into or withdrawn from the chamberthrough the open end.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures [52] U.S.Cl. ..95/11R,95/13 [51] lnt.ClG03b19/02,G03bl7/52 [58] FieldofSearch ..95/11R,13

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,283,682 11/1966 Rice..95/13 3,447,437 6/1969 Tiffany ..95/13 PATENTEUFEBZZ m2 3. 648 565SHEET 1 or 4 FIG I.

INVEN TOR. ALFRED H. BELLOWS ATTORNEYS PATENIEnrmz I972 3, 643 56 5 sum2 or 4 3 INVENTOR.

ALFRED H. BELLOWS Elma/0?, wnal m ATTORNEYS PATEVNYEDFEBZ2 I972 SHEET 3OF 4 INVENTOR. ALFRED H. BELLOWS 33mm and M ATTORNEYS SHEET l; UF 4INVENTOR. ALFRED H. BELLOWS AT TORNEYS 1. Field of the Invention Thisinvention relates to the field of folding photographic apparatus of theself-developing type which are adapted to accept a film assemblage.

2. Description of the Prior Art Cameras of the self-developing typecapable of exposing and processing a film unit to produce a full sizepositive print are well known in the photographic art. These camerasgenerally include: a chamber for receiving a film assemblage, i.e., afilm container preloaded with a plurality of film units in stackedrelation; an optical and exposure control system for sequentiallyexposing the film units; and processing means, usually including a pairof pressure applying members, e.g., rollers, through which an exposedfilm unit is adapted to be moved to initiate a diffusion transferprocess. Certain components of the camera are coupled for movementrelative to one another for permitting the camera to assume an extendedconfiguration to establish the relatively long optical paths required toform a full size image at an exposure plane, and a folded configurationfor providing a compact structure which encloses components of theoptical system to protect them from damage, and is convenient to carry.

The present trend toward smaller and more compact cameras presents thecamera designer with formidable task. He must further reduce the overallsize of the camera in the folded configuration while incorporatingessential components having predetermined dimensions which are beyondhis control to alter. For example, the minimum dimensions of the chamberfor receiving the film assemblage are determined to a large extent bythe size of the film container which is, in turn, controlled by the sizeand number of individual film units to be packaged within the filmcontainer. The size of the film units image forming area determines theminimum length of the pressure applying members. And factors, such asfield of view, depth of field, degree of optical correction, and maximumaperture establish the minimum overall dimensions of an objective lens,thereby establishing the minimum thickness of a lens housing. Theultimate size ofa folded camera will depend on the designer's skill andingenuity in packaging these essential components.

In addition to reducing the size of the camera, the designer must alsoprovide: means for protecting optical and exposure control componentswhen the camera is not in use; access to the receiving chamber forloading and unloading a film assemblage; and access to the pressureapplying members for cleaning and maintenance when necessary.

There are several general design concepts applicable to a compactfolding camera having the above-mentioned features. Since the filmassemblage receiving chamber is usually the single largest component ofthe camera when it is in the folded configuration, compactness may beachieved by positioning other components of the camera in end-to-end orsideby-side relation with the receiving chamber. .For example, the lenshousing should be positioned adjacent an end or side of the receivingchamber rather than being stacked on top of the receiving chamber.Access may be provided to both the receiving chamber and the pressureapplying members by em ploying a chamber having an opening at one endthrough which a film assemblage may be inserted, and pivotally mountingthe pressure applying members for movement between a position adjacentto the open end for engaging an exposed film unit as it leaves the filmcontainer and a position sufficiently spaced from the open end and othercomponents of the camera to permit loading of a film assemblage into thechamber through the open end, or cleaning the rollers.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,283,682 discloses a self-developing camera including anopen ended chamber for receiving a film container and pivotally mountedpressure applying rollers movable between an operative position adjacentthe open end and a loading or cleaning position spaced from the openend. However, the camera disclosed in the above-mentioned patentincludes a lens and shutter housing mounted in stacked or overlyingrelation to the receiving chamber housing, thereby resulting in a ratherbulky structure when the camera is in the folded configuration.Furthermore, a separate protective cover is required to cover componentsof the optical and exposure control system which also increases theoverall dimen sions of the camera in the folded configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides aself-developing camera of the foldable type which is adapted to accept afilm assemblage, including a film container preloaded with a pluralityof film units located in stacked relation to each other. The filmcontainer includes a light-transmitting section, e.g., an exposureaperture, through which the film units are adapted to be sequentiallyexposed, and an exit opening, at one end of the container, through whichan exposed film unit is adapted to be moved for processing.

The camera includes a first housing section defining a chamber having anopening at one end through which a film assemblage is adapted to beinserted, a second housing section, mounting components of the opticaland exposure control system, and a third housing section, includingprocessing means. The second and third housing sections extend forwardlyof the first housing section, in closing relation tothe open end ofthechamber and in nesting relation to each other, to form a compactextension of the first housing section. The second housing section isspaced from the open end of the chamber and the third housing section,which includes a forwardly extending surface mounting a pair of pressureapplying rollers, is positioned so that the rollers extend into thespace between the open end of the chamber and the second housingsection, and the forwardly extending surface is in overlying relation tocomponents of the optical and exposure control system, thereby providinga protective cover for the latter components when the second and thirdhousing sections are in nesting relation to each other.

Means are provided to couple the second and third housing sections tothe first housing section for movement, in opposite directions, toexpose the open end of the chamber, thereby permitting'a film assemblageto be inserted into or withdrawn from the chamber through the open end.Also when the second and third housing sections are positioned to exposethe open end, the pressure applying rollers are accessible for cleaning.a

The film assemblage has a tapered configuration in cross section, and atleast a portion of the receiving chamber has a conforming tapered crosssection for insuring selective insertion of the container into thereceiving chamber, i.e., to prevent insertion of the assemblage in abackward manner, thereby precluding misalignment of thelight-transmitting section of the film container with the image of thesubject to be photographed. The camera is adapted for single lens reflexoperation and the receiving chamber is formed, in part, by a portion ofa reflex member. The chamber is configured and dimensioned to controlthe angle of insertion of a film container through the open end to aplane substantially parallel with a plane containing the reflex memberthereby substantially reducing the possibility of the film containercontacting the reflex member and causing damage thereto duringinsertion.

The camera is adapted to assume a compact parallelepiped shapedconfiguration when the second and third housing sections are in closingrelation to the open end of the chamber and in nesting relation to eachother. This is accomplished by employing reentrant surfaces on theoptical and exposure control system housing, and providing correspondingmating surfaces on the roller mounting housing.

It is an object of the invention to provide in photographic apparatus ofthe type including a first housing section, including an open endedchamber for receiving and locating a film assemblage in position forexposure of a photosensitive element contained therein, a second housingsection, including components of an exposure control system, and a thirdhousing section, including processing means adapted to engage and move aphotosensitive element, subsequent to exposure, toward the exterior ofthe apparatus, means for mounting the second and third housing sectionsfor movement between a first position, in which they extend forwardly ofand in closing relation to the open end of the chamber, and a secondposition, in which the first and second housing sections are spaced awayfrom each other, to expose the open end of the chamber to permit a filmassemblage to be inserted into or withdrawn from the chamber through theopen end.

Another object of the invention is to provide in photographic apparatusof the foregoing type, means associated with the third housing sectionadapted to overlie a portion of the exposure control system of thesecond housing section when the second and third housing sections are inthe first position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide photographicapparatus of the aforementioned type in which the processing means areaccessible for cleaning when the above-mentioned second and thirdhousing sections are positioned to expose the open end of the chamber.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts whichare exemplified in the following disclosure and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS I For a fuller understanding of thenature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to thefollowing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, ofa camera embodyingthe instant invention shown in an extended or operative configuration,and illustrating the relative positions of components of the camerasoptical system to a film unit located in position for exposure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1, shown in a loadingconfiguration, and a film assemblage which the camera is adapted toaccept;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the camera in theloading configuration, illustrating the interior construction ofaportion of the camera;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the camera, in an operativeconfiguration, showing the relative positions of components in dottedlines; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the camera showing certainof its components in a folded configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2of the drawings, a foldable, single lens reflex camera of theself-developing type is shown generally at in its operative or extendedconfiguration. The camera 10 includes a plurality of housing sectionsl2, l4, 16, I8 and 20 which cooperate with bellows 22 (only one side ofwhich is shown) to form an exposure chamber 24. Housing sections l2, l4,l6 and 18 are pivotally coupled to each other by hinge means 13, l5, l7and 19 for movement between the extended position shown in FIG. 1 andthe compact folded position shown in FIG. 5. Housing section 20 ispivotally coupled to housing section 18 about a pivot 110 (see FIG. 2)for movement between the extended position shown in FIG. 1 and thepositionishown in FIG. 2. Housing section 18 includes a chamber 26having a tapered configuration for receiving a film assemblage 27including a film container 28 having a complementary taperedconfiguration, preloaded with a plurality of film units 30 located instacked relation.

Film container 28, as best shown in FIG. 2, includes a for ward wall 32,having an integrally formed upstanding rib 34 which defines a generallyrectangular aperture 36 through which light is admitted to expose theforwardmost film unit contained therein. Film container 28 furtherincludes a leading end wall 38, having an elongated rectangular exitopening 40 through which a film unit is adapted to be moved, a trailingend wall 42, and sidewalls 44, all depending from forward wall 32, and arear wall 46 joining the end and sidewalls.

Each of the individual film units 30 includes a photosensitive element48, a superposed transparent image-receiving element 50, and a pod 52containing processing fluid, joined to elements 48 and 50 at one end.Pod 52 is adapted to rupture upon the application of compressivepressure, thereby releasing the processing fluid which is then uniformlyspread between and in contact with elements 48 and 50 to initiate thedevelopment of the film unit 30 by a diffusion transfer process. Detailsas to the construction of film units 30 may be found in U.S. Pat. No.3,415,644, granted on Dec. 10, 1968, to E. H. Land, and assigned to thesame assignee as the instant application.

The film units 30 are preloaded into film container 28 in stackedrelation and are spring biased, by means not shown, toward the forwardwall 32. The forwardmost film unit 30 is adapted to be exposed throughexposure aperture 36 and then removed from the film container throu'ghexit opening 40 for processing. A rectangular slot 54, in forward wall32, which extends to and part way down the trailing end wall 42 of thefilm container, provides access to the forwardmost film unit forremoving it from the film container. An opaque sheet 56, coveringapertures 36, 40 and 54, is initially provided within the film containerto prevent exposure of the film units prior to insertion of the filmassemblage into the camera and is removable in the same manner as theforwardmost film unit once the film container is loaded into receivingchamber 26. It will be noted that the film container is thicker at theleading end than at the trailing end to accommodate the additionalthickness of pods 52, thus, providing film container 28 with a taperedlongitudinal cross section which diminishes in size from the leading endto the trailing end.

Film container 28 is supported at its forward wall 32 by a platelikesupport frame 58 having a rectangular aperture 60 through which theupstanding rib 34 is adapted to be inserted in telescoping fashion tolocate the forwardmost film unit in position for exposure. Additionalsupportis provided by other components forming receiving chamber 26, aswill be described in detail hereinafter.

Camera 10, being of the single lens reflex variety,'is adapted tooperate first in a viewing and focusing mode, and then in an exposuremode. A platelike reflex member 62, shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 inits viewing and focusing position, atop support member 58 and upstandingrib 34 and covering apertures 36 and 60, forms a lighttight barrierbetween exposure chamber 24 and receiving chamber 26, and includes aneschelon-type mirror 64 on one side and a planar mirror 66 on theopposite side.

In the viewing and focusing mode of operation, light rays reflected fromthe scene to be photographed pass through an objective lens 68, mountedin housing section 12, and travel across exposure chamber 24 until theyimpinge upon a planar mirror 70, fixedly mounted on an interior wall ofhousing section 16, and are then reflected toward eschelon-type mirror64 where they form an image of the scene to be photographed. From mirror64 the light rays are redirected toward a suitable viewfinder (notshown) mounted on housing section 14. The operator views the image atmirror 64, through the viewfinder, while'adjusting objective lens 68until the image is in sharp focus, and then actuates a shutter releasebutton 72 mounted on housing section 12. Upon actuation of button 72,shutter means, not shown, block the passage of light into chamber 24through lens 68 and the viewfinder. Once chamber 24 is in a lighttightcondition, reflex member 62, which is adapted to pivot about an axis 74,is moved from the viewing and focusing position, shown in solid lines inFIG. 1, to an exposure position parallel with and closely adjacent tofixed mirror 70, as shown in phantom lines, with the planar mirror 66facing toward objective lens 68. The shutter means in housing section 12are then moved to an unblocking position, permitting light rays tostrike mirror 66 from where they are reflected through exposure aperture36 to expose the forwardmost film unit 30. After an appropriate exposureinterval, the shutter means are again moved to a blocking position andreflex member 62 is returned to the viewing and focusing position. Atthis time suitable means, positionable through aperture 54, engage theexposed forwardmost film unit andadvance 'it through exit opening 40into the bite of a pair of pressure-applying rollers 76 and 78.

At least one of the pressureapplying rollers is adapted to be rotatablydriven in a direction to advance the exposed film unit between therollers while applying compressive pressure to rupture pod 52, causingthe release of the processing fluid which is then uniformly spreadbetween and in contact with elements 48 and 50 to initiate the diffusiontransfer process, as film unit 30 is advanced to the exterior of camera10. w

Access to receiving chamber 26, for inserting or withdrawing a filmassemblage, is provided by moving housing section from an operativeposition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, to a loading position, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, to expose open end 80 of the receiving chamber 26 throughwhich film container may beinsertedf f Receiving-'chamber'26 is formedwithin housing section 18 by the following componentparts; a generallyU-shaped exterior' cover 82 having a tapered bottom wall 84, side walls86, a trailing end wall 88, and an open leading end at 80; a pair ofthin elongated chamber walls 90, mounted parallel with, but spaced from,the interior surface of sidewalls 86, and extending from trailing endwall 88 to a point beyond the leading end of cover 82 as best shown inFIG. 3; a platelike support frame 58, mounted between chamber walls 90,spaced from bottom wall 84, and extending from a point near endwall 88to a point beyond the leading end of chamber walls 90, having arectangular aperture 60 therein, dimensioned to be slightly larger thanthe outer peripheral dimensions of upstanding rib 34 on film container28 which is adapted to fit within aperture 60in telescoping fashion torepeatably andaccurately locate a film container within the receivingchamber; planar mirror surface 66 of reflex member 62 in its viewing'andfocusing position resting atop support member 58 and covering aperture60 in a lighttight manner; and support spring 94 (see FIG. 1), which maybe integrally formed in tapered bottom wall 84 or may be separatelyattached as shown in FIG. 1. All of the components defining receivingchamber 26 are dimensioned and configured to conform closely to theexterior surface of film container 28 when it is fully inserted into thereceiving chamber.

To load film container 28 into the receiving chamber, it is insertedtrailing end first through the open end at 80 and is moved rearwardlytoward the trailing end of housing section 18 with the interior surfacesof chamber walls 90, support frame 58, and tapered bottom wall 84,acting as guides, thereby restricting the angle of insertion to preventcontact between the film container and the mirror surface 66 on theunderside of reflex member 62. The film container is moved rearwardlyuntil upstanding rib 34 snaps intoplace inside of aperture 60 intelescoping fashion under the influence of support spring 94 bearingagainst the rear wall 46 of the film container.

It will be noted that film container 28 may not be'fully inserted intochamber 26 when the thicker leading end is inserted through the openingfirst, since there is insufficient clearance between the support frame58 and the tapered bottom wall 84 to allow the passage of the leadingend wall 38 therebetween. Thus, the tapered bottom wall 84, in additionto guiding the film container and mounting support spring 94, serves asa means for preselecting the orientation of the film container to insurethat exit opening 40 will be positioned adjacent the open end 80 whenthefilm container is fully inserted into the receiving chamber, and thatthe exposure aperture 36 will be properly located relative to supportframe 58.

As best shown in FIG. 3, chamber walls are cut back at the leading endto expose sidewalls 44 of the film container adjacent the leading endwall 38, thereby providing convenient surfaces on the film container tofacilitate withdrawal. To remove film container 28 from the receivingchamber, it is grasped at the exposed sides 44 and moved downwardlyagainst the bias of support spring 94 until upstanding rib 34 clearsaperture 60at which point the film container may be withdrawn throughthe open end.

As previously noted, housing section 20, mounting the pressure applyingrollers 76 and 78, is pivotally coupled to housing section 18 formovement between an operative position and a loading position. Housingsection 20 includes an exterior cover 96, having aforwardly extendingbottom wall 98, a leading end wall and sidewalls 102 dependingtherefrom. A pair of laterally spaced brackets 104 are mounted on bottomwall .98 for rotatably mounting rollers 76 and 78 at pins 106 and .108and for pivotally coupling housing section 20 to chamber walls 90 at pin110, as best shown in FIG. 3.

A spring biased latch member 112 (see FIG. 3) is positioned betweenchamber wall 90 and cover' sidewall 86, and is pivotally coupled tochamber wall 90 at pin 114 for movement between a latching position, asshown in solid lines, and an unlatching position, as shown in phantomlines as best seen in FIG. 3. Latch 112 includes a section 113 which isadapted to engage a latch pin 116, mounted on bracket104, to releasablyretain housing section 20 in operative relation to housing sectionf18,as best shown in FIG. '4. By'moving a button 111, attached to the footof latching member 112, forwardly, the latch 112 rotates in acounterclockwise direction against the bias of a spring 115 to raisesection 113 to a position out of engagement with latch pin 116, therebypermitting housing section 20 to be moved from the operative position,as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, to the'loading position, as shown in FIGS. 2and 3. It will be noted that when housing section 20 is in theoperativeposition, processing rollers 76 and 78, which are formed aselongated cylinders slightly longer in length than the width of a filmunit, are located in position to receive a film unit as it exits fromfilm container 38 via opening 40. Also when housing section 20 is intheoperative position, exterior cover 96 is adapted to form a smoothextension of exterior cover 82 of housing section l8.'As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, it will further be noted that the pressure applyingrollers are sufficiently spacedfrom the open end 80of the chamber andhousingsection 12, when housing section 20 is in the loading position,to permit loading and unloading of a film container through the openend, and are also accessible for cleaning.

As noted earlier, camera 10 is adapted to be folded into a compactconfiguration, i.e.,-housing sections 12, 14 and 16 are adapted to pivotabout axes 13, 15, 17 and 19 permitting housing section 12 to be rotatedin a clockwise direction into the forward position of housing section20, with housing sections 14 and 16 fonning a planar outer surface overa portion of housing sections l2-and 18, respectively. As housingsections l2, l4 and 16 are moved from the extended configuration to thefolded configuration, the bellows 22 collapses along memory lines 126and is stored between the upper and lower housing sections.

As best seen in FIG. 2, housing section 12 includes a first section 130having a recessed portion 132 therein, which extends substantiallyaround three sides of section 130, and a second section 134 of reduceddimensions extending forwardly of first section 130, and including arecessed portion for receiving the shutter release button 72. As bestseen in F [6.5, when camera 10 is in the folded configuration, housingsections 12 and 20 are in nesting relation to each other. The lowerportion of cover side wall 102, leading end wall 100, and bottom wall 98cooperate to form a recessed portion within cover 96 for receivingsecond section 134, and the upper portion of sidewalls 102 are adaptedto be positioned in overlying relation to the recessed portion 132 ofsection 130, thereby permitting camera 10 to assume a compactparallelepiped shaped configuration. It will be noted that housingsection 12 is spaced from the open end 80 of the chamber 26 (see FIG.and that pressure applying rollers 76 and 78 are adapted to extend intothe space when the camera is folded. Bottom cover wall 98, in additionto mounting the pressure applying rollers 76 and 78, forms a protectivecover over lens 68 to protect the lens from damage, and similarlyleading end wall 100 forms a protective cover over shutter releasebutton 72 to prevent actuation of the button while camera is folded.

To erect camera 10 from the folded configuration, housing section 12 isrotated in a counterclockwise direction about hinge means 19 causinghousing sections 14 and 16 to pivot about hinge means 13, 15, and 17until the three housing sections reach the extended position, as shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. An erecting link (not shown) is provided toreleasably secure housing sections l2, l4 and 16 in the extendedposition. Housing section 20 may then be moved to the loading positionby actuating latch button 111 to permit housing section 20 to rotate ina clockwise direction about pin 110. It will be noted that housingsections 12 and 20 are rotated in opposite directions to gain access tothe open end 80 of chamber 26.

From the foregoing it can be seen that there has been disclosedphotographic apparatus of the self-developing type which is adapted toassume a thin, compact, parallelepiped configuration when in a foldedcondition. The apparatus includes a first housing section having an openended chamber for receiving a film assemblage and second and thirdhousing sections, including components of the apparatus exposure systemand processing rollers, respectively, extending forwardly of the openend of the chamber. The second and third housing sections are coupled tothe first section for movement between the compact, folded position inwhich the third hous ing section protects the exposure componentsagainst accidental operation or damage, and a second position in whichthe second and third housing sections are spaced away from each other toexpose the open end of the chamber to permit the film assemblage to bewithdrawn from or inserted into the chamber and/or cleaning of theprocessing rollers.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. Photographic apparatus comprising:

a first housing section including means defining a chamber for receivinga film assemblage, said chamber having an open end through which a filmassemblage is adapted to be inserted;

a second housing section, including lens means, and a third housingsection, including processing means, extending forwardly of said firsthousing section in closing relation to said open end, said secondhousing section being spaced from said open end and said processingmeans being positioned to extend into said space; and

means coupling said second and third housing sections to said firsthousing section for movement in opposite directions to expose said openend thereby permitting a film assemblage to be inserted into orwithdrawn from said chamber through said open end.

2. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said processingmeans are located in position for cleaning when said second and thirdhousing sections are positioned to expose said open end. i

3. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said chamber hasa tapered configuration in cross section sub? stantially conforming tothat of a film assemblage for insuring selective insertion of the filmassemblage into said chamber.

4. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 further includingoptical means located in a first plane and forming a portion of saidchamber and said chamber is configured and dimensioned to restrictinsertion of a film assemblage through said open end to a planesubstantially parallel with said first plane thereby substantiallyreducing the possibility of the film assemblage contacting said opticalmeans during insertion.

5. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said thirdhousing section includes a recessed portion for receiving said secondhousing section when said second and third housing sections are in saidclosing relation to said open end.

6. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said thirdhousing section further includes a surface located in overlying relationto said lens means to form a protective cover for said lens means whensaid second and third housing sections are in said closing relation tosaid open end.

7. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said secondhousing section further includes shutter release means and said thirdhousing section includes means for preventing actuation of said shutterrelease means when said second and third housing sections are in saidclosing relation to said open end.

l w UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE QERTEFICATE @F CORRECTION Patent No.3,643,565 Dat d February 22, 1972 Inventor(s) Alfred H. Bellows It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6, line 56, "position" read as -portion-.

Title Page Delete electronic circuit diagram and substitute thereforFig. 2 of the drawings.

Note: The electronic circuit diagram shown on the title page is not partof Patent No. 3,643,565 nor did it appear in the Patentee's applicationleading to Patent No. 3,643,565.

Signed and sealed this 3rd day of October 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLE'I'CHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting OfficerCommissionerof Patents UNETED STAiES PATENT OFFICE @IERTEFICATE @FCORRECTION Patent 3,643 565 D d February 22, 1972 Inventor(s) Alfred H.Bellows It is certified that ei'ror appears in the above-identifiedpatent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below;

Column 6, line 56, "position read as -portion.

Title Page Delete electronic circuit diagram and substitute thereforFig. 2 of the drawings.

Note The electronic circuit diagram shown on the ,title page is not partof Patent No 3 ,643 565 nor did it appear in the Patentee s applicationleading to Patent No. 3,643,565.

Signed and sealed this 3rd day of October 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

ROBERT GOTTSCHALK EDWARD M.FLETCHER JR Commissioner of Patents-Attesting Officer TORM r c-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60370-1 69 9 u scavvmuzm nuu'mm ornc: nn 0-366-H4

1. Photographic apparatus comprising: a first housing section includingmeans defining a chamber for receiving a film assemblage, said chamberhaving an open end through which a film assemblage is adapted to beinserted; a second housing section, including lens means, and a thirdhousing section, including processing means, extending forwardly of saidfirst housing section in closing relation to said open end, said secondhousing section being spaced from said open end and said processingmeans being positioned to extend into said space; and means couplingsaid second and third housing sections to said first housing section formovement in opposite directions to expose said open end therebypermitting a film assemblage to be inserted into or withdrawn from saidchamber through said open end.
 2. Photographic apparatus as defined inclaim 1 wherein said processing means are located in position forcleaning when said second and third housing sections are positioned toexpose said open end.
 3. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1wherein said chamber has a tapered configuration in cross sectionsubstantially conforming to that of a film assemblage for insuringselective insertion of the film assemblage into said chamber. 4.Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including opticalmeans located in a first plane and forming a portion of said chamber andsaid chamber is configured and dimensioned to restrict insertion of afilm assemblage through said open end to a plane substantially parallelwith said first plane thereby substantially reducing the possibility ofthe film assemblage contacting said optical means during insertion. 5.Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said third housingsection includes a recessed portion for receiving said second housingsection when said second and third housing sections are in said closingrelation to said open end.
 6. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim1 wherein said third housing section further includes a surface locatedin overlying relation to said lens means to form a protective cover forsaid lens means when said second and third housing sections are in saidclosing relation to said open end.
 7. Photographic apparatus as definedin claim 6 wherein said second housing section further includes shutterrelease means and said third housing section includes means forpreventing actuation of said shutter release means when said second andthird housing sections are in said closing relation to said open end.